Health and wellness have been the buzzword among young professionals ever since the birth of the first Health and Wellness Trend Survey in 2021. This survey clearly demonstrates that Gen Y is concerned about their long term fitness and more so than any other previous generation. With an aging Baby Boomer population suffering the largest number of health-related problems, it is clear that a focus on wellness and prevention is essential for future success. As a result, health and wellness trends for Gen Y continue to grow at a rapid pace.
First Trend: A drop in Spending on “Exercise” or Gym
One of the most noticeable trends is a drop in spending on “exercise” or gym memberships. While many associate fitness with a certain type of activity such as running, biking, etc., Gen Y is now looking for ways to be healthier and more active. In fact, they spend less time at the gym than any other generation – statistically speaking, at least. The reason for this is simple: while the Boomers want to remain physically fit and healthy, they don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money doing it. While fitness clubs and the media have played a large part in the decline of gym membership, there are some other smaller changes that Gen Y can make to improve their health and wellness.
Second Trend: A Decreasing in Smoking
One trend we can see amongst Gen Y’s is a decrease in smoking. While this is true across all age groups, it is particularly noticeable in this group. Surprisingly, the number of adults who smoke has dropped from fifty-nine percent to forty-three percent between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four. However, when it comes to the youth, this number increases to fifty-two percent. Surprisingly, it is not the amount of smoking that decreases; rather, it is a decrease in frequency. As a result, instead of having a cigarette after lunch every day (a typical activity among Gen Y), they now only have one after dinner.
Third Trend: The Change in Diet
Another thing we can look at in this context is the change in diet. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the number of Gen Z health issues associated with eating habits has dropped dramatically, and especially so in comparison with other age groups. It used to be that teenagers and the younger generation often consumed unhealthy foods such as fast food, skipping meals, and are skipping lunch; however, according to the most recent studies, this is simply not the case anymore. Instead, younger generations are consuming more fruits and vegetables, consuming less saturated fat, and more fiber.
Another thing that the studies clearly demonstrate is that more people are exercising on a regular basis. Whether you are talking about teens, Generation Z adults, or the Boomers, exercise is something that they have become more familiar with and comfortable with over the years. If you recall the old jokes about pregnant mothers on TV, exercise is definitely something that these newer generations are taking more interest in. This is especially true when it comes to physical activity as a preventative measure to prevent serious illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Exercise has become more socially acceptable for many different demographics, which is evident by the number of gyms and sports clubs that are being built. In addition to more active lifestyles, the fact that many Gen Z and millennial adults are interested in alternative health practices is another factor that is helping to drive these trends.
The Outline
The fact is that health and wellness trends among this new generation are quite different than what we are seeing in previous generations. If you want to get in shape, get healthy, or get healthy right now, there are many options. However, it would be helpful if you could take your family’s health into account when forming your own opinions. Not all health plans are created equal, and the best way to find out if a plan will work for your particular needs is to speak to your doctor and see what he or she recommends.
